Why Copenhagen is the ultimate place for a relaxing city break

Danes are not only world-famous for innovation and cutting-edge design, but also for their mastery of the art of slowing down and appreciating the simple things in life. 

After all, a defining characteristic of Danish culture is hygge, that unmistakable quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment. For this reason, the country’s capital, Copenhagen, is an ideal destination for a stress-free city break.

“There is something about Copenhagen that people won’t find in many other cities in the world,” says Jeppe Linnet, an anthropologist with a special interest in hygge. “There is an atmosphere, and an experience, that it’s a city that is safe and easy to get around and generally pleasurable.”

Copenhagen is the sort of city that invites you to go with the flow and lean into spontaneity. For a start, it is an easy place to explore. “You can walk from one end of the city centre to another without any problems,” says Linnet.

But to truly experience Copenhagen like one of the city’s residents, you need to get in the saddle and join the locals cycling around the streets (you’ll spot parents hauling their children to and from school and kindergarten in cargo bikes). That bikes are the preferred form of transport in this city is yet another nod towards taking things at a more leisurely pace.

Whether you move around on two wheels or two feet, Copenhagen’s different neighbourhoods offer many opportunities to experience the Danish way of life. The narrow cobbled streets of Christianshavn are alive with atmospheric bars and restaurants, with numerous canalside cafes to explore.

Be sure to seek out newer upcoming districts like Nordhavn, a trendy urban archipelago, known for its architecture and sustainable credentials, that’s also home to Thekrane, a luxury one-room hotel set in a former coal crane. Over at Carlsberg City District, the former Carlsberg facilities have undergone their own drastic makeover, having recently been converted into destination restaurants, spas, hotels and design shops.

Meanwhile, the areas of Vesterbro, Nørrebro and the city’s Latin Quarter all teem with atmospheric cafes, bars and restaurants in which to while away the hours with friends. You’ll find the city full of beautiful old buildings, most of which are less than five storeys high, which makes Copenhagen not only easy on the eye but also prevents it from feeling overwhelming.

When to go? Copenhagen is a city for all seasons. The milder seasons are made for meandering from cafe terraces to outdoor markets and lively open-air events. This is your chance to sip a glass of chilled rosé with friends in the beautiful surroundings of King’s Garden, take a stroll along the waterfront, or hire a row boat and explore the city’s canals.

At any time of year you can head to one of the many museums and galleries to explore, or spend time at Copenhagen’s wonderful Tivoli Gardens – part amusement park, part pleasure gardens – which turns into a magical winter wonderland in the winter months with a Christmas market, featuring thousands of twinkling lights and snow-capped trees.

Winter also provides ample opportunity to don snug knitwear and hunker down in candlelit rooms, drinking coffee or glugging gløgg, the potent Danish mulled wine.

Whenever you choose to go, you’re sure to leave this unique city feeling charmed and a lot more relaxed.

The land of everyday wonder

Danes consistently rank among the world's happiest people, and it’s not hard to see why. From the cosiness concept of hygge to a true appreciation of nature, they’ve perfected the art of putting heart and soul into everyday life. Experience it for yourself on a trip to its buzzing capital of Copenhagen and you’re bound to bring that sense of wonder back home with you. 

Find out more about the spectacular city of Copenhagen at visitcopenhagen.com.